The Commission on Nomadic Peoples (CNP) of the Intemational Union of Anthropological and Ethnological Sciences (IUAES) took part in the 16th Congress between July 27-31, 2009 in Kunming, China. It organized three academic panels, bringing together researchers and specialists interested in nomadic pastoralism across the world. Over four days of talks, the key issues and critical concems facing pastoralism today were presented and discussed by scholars and students. Led by Dawn Chatty, Chair of the Commission on Nomadic Peoples, and honouring Anatoly Khazanov's lifetime achievements, the sessions encapsulated the evolution, strengths and challenges of pastoralism in the 2lst century. Two perspectives were stressed: the first highlighted pastoralism in an intemational context, drawing on research in Africa, the Middle East, South America and parts of Asia; The second focus was on pastoralism in the host nation, China, and identified both the impact of rapid development on nomadic practices and livelihoods and the country's growing integration into the global pastoral research community. The session provided the opportunity to compare frndings, identify pattems and methodologies and expand academic networks for future engagement and expanded cooperation.